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Human breath metabolomics using an optimized non-invasive exhaled breath condensate sampler
Konstantin O Zamuruyev1, Alexander A Aksenov1, Alberto Pasamontes1
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Journal of Breath Research
|December 23, 2016
Summary
We developed a novel, inexpensive portable device for collecting exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples. This optimized device preserves metabolomic content, advancing non-invasive diagnostics and addressing inconsistencies in current breath analysis methods.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) analysis is a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool.
- Current EBC collection devices and methods lack standardization, leading to variable results.
- Limited data exists on how device design impacts the metabolomic profile of breath samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, portable human EBC sampler design.
- To optimize EBC collection for preserving rich metabolomic content.
- To evaluate the performance of the new device against commercial alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Engineered a portable EBC sampler with adjustable aerodynamic filtering for saliva.
- Compared the novel device with RTube™ and TurboDECCS commercial devices.
- Evaluated condenser temperature stability, collection efficiency, material, and saliva contamination.
- Assessed biological content using mass spectrometry methods.
Main Results:
- The engineered device demonstrated optimized collection and preservation of metabolomic content.
- Performance parameters including temperature stability and collection efficiency were evaluated.
- Saliva contamination was addressed through an adjustable aerodynamic filtering mechanism.
- Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the biological significance of collected samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed inexpensive, portable EBC sampler enhances metabolomic content collection.
- This device design aims to standardize breath analysis for non-invasive health diagnostics.
- Further advancements in breath analysis are facilitated by improved EBC sampling technology.
